Drugs that suppress appetite, such as Ozempic, have become more popular thanks to social media.
However, it is crucial to keep in mind that scientists are still delving deeper into how these trendy medications actually work.
Ozempic Face
While further research is still pending, several patients brought to social media stories that others could learn from. As for stories regarding unexpected and unwanted side effects, they have also been garnering several eyeballs.
Discussions pertaining to "Ozempic face" have become abuzz in both TikTok and Instagram. Such a term has been used for describing the appearance of sunken eyes, hollowed-out cheeks, and excess skin. This may result from rapid and significant weight loss.
The media has been consumed with the controversial term for around a year. Some experts think that it could be misleading and derogatory. It could also potentially scare individuals away from a drug that could be good for their health beyond weight loss.
Ozempic Drugs
Ozempic, as well as Wegovy, fall under a medication class called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) agonists. These drugs suppress appetite and balance blood glucose by mimicking a natural hormone.
Such injectable drugs were meant to treat diabetes. However, they have now been frequently prescribed as weight loss drugs.
It currently remains unknown whether the facial changes are GLP-1 agonists' novel side effects or if they naturally result from weight loss.
There is no proof that shows that GLP-1 agonists may specifically target face fat. Moreover, clinical trials also need to gauge the side effect's extent or occurrence.
At this point, all that is available is social media conversation. However, it is important to keep in mind that getting online medical information could be misleading.
Rapid and Significant Weight Loss
It is acknowledged that significant and rapid weight loss could lead to excess skin surrounding the eyes, cheeks, jawline, temples, and mouth. This skin could end up wrinkling and sagging.
While this may depend on a person's hydration and diet, their skin could end up having a dryer, duller, and more wrinkled appearance with the drop of body fat.
Moreover, GLP-1 agonist use, irrespective of fat loss, could also lead to changes in the size of a person's chin, cheeks, and lips.
Studies have revealed that patients who go through great weight loss may look a couple of years older in their face.
This could potentially explain what is happening with appetite-suppressing drugs like Ozempic. However, studies regarding how these drugs could affect individuals who do not have diabetes are still in their infancy stages.
Endocrinologist Aoife Egan explained that facial change possibilities should not end up scaring people away from using Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists.
Egan also noted that, in spite of all the chatter on the internet, she has not encountered a patient who expressed concern regarding their facial appearance while using GLP-1 agonists.
Experts also agree that with carefully managed weight loss and well-balanced nutrition, these changes could end up being limited.
RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Strange and Serious Ozempic Side-Effects Based on Interactive Graphic Include Cancer, Sexual Dysfunction & More
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